Women of faith in bangkok(BANGKOK, THAILAND, 23 April 2008)— We, women leaders representatives of religions and faith communities from Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam met at the Summit of Asian Religious Women Leaders on April 21-23 in Bangkok, Thailand. This summit brought together 30 notable women leaders from the Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, Muslim and Taoist communities to strengthen the role of religious women as agents of sustainable change and peace. The Summit was convened by Religions for Peace International in partnership with World Fellowship of Buddhists (WFB), Christian Conference of Asia (CCA), International Network of Engaged Buddhists and Religions for Peace Thailand; and in collaboration with UNIFEM, UN Millennium Campaign, and UNFPA.

Acknowledging women’s ability to mobilize the grassroots and broad social networks, we discussed how to best strengthen inter-religious cooperation for peace.

As trusted and respected members of our faith communities we acknowledge our importance and unique role in shaping social values and public opinion.

We resolve to create an Asian network of women of faith that would function as the regional network of the Religions for Peace Global women of faith Network. Building on the already existing women’s networks, organizations and inter-faith groups, the Asian & Pacific Women of Faith Network commits to work towards developing action-oriented partnerships with Governments, United Nations agencies and civil society organizations.

Recognizing the challenges for women in Asia that relate to poverty, health, education, gender inequality, violence against women, human trafficking, misinterpretation of religions and political participation, the Asian & the Pacific Women of Faith Network resolves to:

• Undertake inter-religious advocacy and actions for enhancing communication and networking among women leaders and practitioners from different religions in Asia;

• Strengthen multi-religious cooperation and common action for peace among women leaders across diverse religious traditions in Asia & the Pacific;

• Promote gender equality and women’s empowerment and initiate action to end poverty and address health needs for all women and children especially relating to HIV/AIDS and maternal health;

• Strengthen capacities of women of faith to build peace and promote justice and harmony in societies;

• Mobilize action by women, religious communities and leaders to confront violence in all its forms, including misuse of religions for violence;

• Develop action-oriented partnerships with governments, civil society organizations, United Nation agencies and other inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations.